7 Ways to Attract Quality Twitter Followers

How is your list of Twitter followers looking? If your answer falls somewhere between “meh” and “I don’t know,” let’s talk.

Twitter is a fabulous tool, but carefully crafted tweets are no good if they’re never seen by your target audience. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can incorporate into your everyday social activity to maximize your reach.

1. In this case, it’s okay to be a follower. Following someone is the easiest way to get on his or her radar. Plus, it’s a compliment. I love the brands and organizations that follow me on Twitter! (As soon as I’m old enough to figure out how mortgages work, expect a call from me, @easternbank.)
2. The @ is your friend. Mentioning people is another great (and flattering) way to get noticed. Sharing an article? Be sure to mention the handle of the author and/or user who brought it to your attention. Had a great experience with an individual or organization you consider an “influencer?” Mention them and tell the Twitterverse all about it.
3. Monitor search terms. Are you a SME in the dog-sweater industry? That’s weird. But you should still set up a search for “dog sweater” using a platform like TweetDeck or HootSuite and check out what people are saying. From there, you can follow people who look interesting and chime in wherever it’s appropriate.
4. Engage before, during and after events. You spent a big chunk of change on a booth at RSA because you need to reach attendees. So why not connect with them on Twitter, too? Follow the event’s hashtag and start engaging. In addition to getting new followers in your space, this can also drive traffic to your booth.
5. Participate in a Twitter chat. Regardless of what industry you’re in or what subjects interest you, there’s probably a Twitter chat that’s right up your alley. Find it, join it, speak up and establish yourself as a major player in the field.
6. Show me the money. Still having a hard time getting on the map? Twitter advertising is always an option. You can promote individual tweets (great if you have a specific campaign to push) or your account in general. But please, please, please, don’t buy robot followers through a sketchy third-party website. This isn’t about boosting your numbers, it’s about building a quality following of people who are truly engaged with you and your brand. Plus, it will be pretty obvious that you’re being followed by a bunch of Twitter bots, which makes you look silly.
7. Forget the haters. Not everyone you’re interested in will feel the same way. Such is life. Feel free to unfollow those who didn’t follow you back (or inactive users) using a “flush” tool like Tweepi.

Your next big customer, investor, and star employee are probably scrolling through their Twitter feeds right now. Go get ‘em!